1:30 p.m.

Come to the lawn of the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., for a free carnival. Games will include giant Jenga, water balloon toss and face painting. Come inside for a sweet treat - ice cream and cotton candy.

For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or visit http://thepacecenter.com.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Are you in need of gently used items for your classes or living space? Stop by the VCU Free Store pop-up today, Aug. 21 (one day only) at 201 N. Belvidere St. All items are free for VCU students and employees. You can take home a variety of items free of charge, including school and art supplies, home goods, small electronics and more. Donations will also be accepted.

For more information, contact Parker Long at sustain@vcu.edu or visit https://sustainability.vcu.edu/programs/free-store/.

Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

SHIFT Retail Lab, 1235 W. Broad St., provides a space for entrepreneurs to test their ideas through sales and customer feedback. This alternative type of retail offers a lab-type approach for creative thinkers to put their ideas into action. Learn more about SHIFT and support the current Shelfies. Register at https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/shift-wow1

For more information, contact Caslin Applewhite at applewhiteec@vcu.edu or visit https://shiftretail.vcu.edu/events/.

Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023 from 11 a.m. to noon

This sixty-minute workshop will provide an overview of Canvas to prepare faculty for the upcoming semester. The Zoom link is https://vcu.zoom.us/j/2324828315 Register at: https://training.vcu.edu/course.aspx?processFlag=2&itemID=18196

For more information, contact Jon Reed, Cairo Jones at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit http://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023 at noon

Are you interested in working with other students across different disciplines? Are you fascinated by creating solutions to complex problems? Have you always wanted to start a business or nonprofit? Attend an informational session to learn about undergraduate certificates at VCU's da Vinci Center. Learn about programs in Product Innovation and Venture Creation, as well as classes in human-centered design and how they can fit into individual academic plans. Register at https://connect.business.vcu.edu/register/ug822

For more information, contact Caslin Applewhite at applewhiteec@vcu.edu or visit https://davincicenter.vcu.edu/news--events/undergrad-info-sessions/.

Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023 from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Find a quiet reflection in the middle of your day with this virtual guided meditation. This session is suitable for all levels of practice and his hosted by VCU HR and RecWell. Register in Talent@VCU or at: https://bit.ly/3Dnspt2

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.

Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023 at 2 p.m.

Learn to break writing into manageable chunks and how to avoid procrastination. Register for the Zoom link at the following URL.

For more information, contact Trey Burnart Hall at hallbr@vcu.edu or visit https://writing.vcu.edu/calendar/.

Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Avaya Workplace app allows customers to extend their office number to their remote work site. The Avaya Workplace app is ideal for remote workers. Callers can reach remote workers on any device by calling their work telephone number, and when placing a call the caller party will see their work number and not their mobile number. Also, learn how the MyE911 app works in conjunction with Avaya Workplace if the desktop version is being used. The virtual session is open to all VCU and VCU Health. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Wayne L. Johnson at wljohnson@vcu.edu or (804) 828-4400 or visit https://training.vcu.edu/.

Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 from noon to 1 p.m.

Do you feel paralyzed by fears and anxieties? Are they keeping you from new relationships and professional opportunities? Given the right techniques and support, you can fight back and learn to control them. In this seminar, brought to you by VCU HR and Anthem EAP, learn to take those first steps. Register in Talent@VCU or at https://bit.ly/44toEhw

For more information, contact Cindi Phares at cphares@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1521 or visit https://ramstrong.vcu.edu/.

Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 from noon to 4 p.m.

Join the VCU English Department in Monroe Park for its annual tie-dye in the park party. Free T-shirts and tie-dye materials while supplies last. RSVP to the following URL.

For more information, contact Alicia Bonilla at bonillaab@vcu.edu or (571) 263-2854 or visit https://forms.gle/kqoqAsBEViRDpyzv9.

Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 from noon to 1 p.m.

The IT Career Community will present Zscaler for Technicians with Jesse Castellani. Castellani will walk through Zscaler, a cloud security company, and offer tips and guidance to assist technicians who support users with Zscaler. Register in Talent@VCU at the following URL. The Zoom link is https://go.vcu.edu/itcc-events-remote

For more information, contact Sam Keeler at keelersa@vcu.edu or visit https://go.vcu.edu/itcc-events.

Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 at 8:15 p.m.

VCU faculty and staff can purchase $5 tickets to VCU men's soccer home opener with the University of New Hampshire. Tickets can be purchased via the following URL or in-person at the ticket office at Sports Backers Stadium, 100 Avenue of Champions. VCU faculty and staff must present a valid VCU ID to receive discount at the gates. The $5 discount applies to immediate family members.

For more information, contact Sarah Frasier at Frasiers2@vcu.edu or visit https://offer.fevo.com/soccer-home-openers-faculty-and-staff-603c532?fevoUri=soccer-home-openers-faculty-and-staff-603c532%2F.

Friday, Aug. 25, 2023 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Come to the Pace Center, 700 W. Franklin St., on Fridays for Walk-A-Dog. It's a great way to meet new people.

For more information, contact Russ Kerr at kerrr@vcu.edu or (804) 658-4064 or visit http://www.thepacecenter.com.

Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join VCU's Center for Pharmacy Practice Innovation for its next seminar to hear from Jeffrey Bratberg, Pharm.D., University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy. Bratberg will discuss research on the ways pharmacists can expand access to medications through collaborative practice agreements. The session will be available via Zoom and also broadcast in Room 545, Robert Blackwell Smith Building, 410 N. 12th St. Questions: https://cppi.pharmacy.vcu.edu/seminars/ Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Sydney Weber at cppi@vcu.edu or visit https://cppi.pharmacy.vcu.edu/seminars/seminar-series/august-cppi-seminar.html.

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.

Learn how to use LockDown Browser with Canvas quizzes to prevent digital cheating in proctored testing environments. Register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/535240494386989143

For more information, contact Jon Reed at reedjj@vcu.edu or visit http://learningsystems.vcu.edu.

Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023 from noon to 2 p.m.

Are you a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of VCU? A NPHC student, faculty and staff Mixer will be held in the Virginia Rooms of the University Student Commons, 907 Floyd Ave. The event allows members to come together, share experiences and strengthen campus bonds. Light refreshments will be offered at the event, co-hosted by Weeks of Welcome and VCU's Division of Student Affairs. ​Register at Rams Connect or the following URL.

For more information, contact Ra'meer Roberts at rroberts3@vcu.edu or visit https://vcu.campusgroups.com/WoW/rsvp_boot?id=1928672.

Thursday, Sep. 7, 2023 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join this upcoming International Association of Medical Science Educators Fall webinar series to learn about the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and medical education. This free, five-week session is open to faculty, staff and students, and is sponsored by the Office of the Senior Vice President for Health Sciences Faculty Affairs team. Session recordings will be available to those who register. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Lisa Webb at lbwebb@vcu.edu or visit https://julnet.swoogo.com/fall2023inst/begin?c_2923794=14495391®_type_id=442060&ref=Paid+Institutional+Faculty.

For students, the start of a new school year brings excitement, hope – and, often, a little anxiety. Help make the school year easier by supporting giving opportunities that help VCU students thrive, including the Student Emergency Fund, the Student Life and Learning Fund and VCU Libraries Open and Affordable Course Content Initiative.

For more information, contact Jenna Hart at jbhart@vcu.edu or visit https://give.communityfunded.com/o/virginia-commonwealth-university/i/weeks-of-welcome.

RecWell’s Fall 2023 group exercise classes are free to all VCU students and RecWell members. All skills and fitness levels are welcome. The regular Fall schedule runs to Monday, Dec. 11. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Nadine Madison at groupexprgm@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/group-exercise/.

VCU Students and RecWell Members are invited to build their fundamental swimming technique in the Fall 2023 Adult Swim Program. Lessons are designed for older teens and adults, and participants should be comfortable learning basic skills in both shallow and deep water. Program dates are Sept. 11 to Oct. 4. Register by Friday, Sept. 8 at noon at the following URL.

For more information, contact Mat Scott at aquatics@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/aquatics/adult-swim-programs/.

RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program September Day and Overnight Trips include: Paddle and Paint (Sept. 16), Blue Ridge Day Hike (Sept. 17) and Caving (Sept. 30). Registration (see the following URL) closes five days before each trip.

For more information, contact Emily Philpott at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/outdoor-adventure/trips-and-activities/.

RecWell’s Outdoor Adventure Program will host free activities and clinics on select days between August and November. Join trip leaders for whitewater rafting, whitewater kayaking, standup paddleboarding and flatwater paddling. An adventure photography clinic will be held Aug. 25 and Sept. 29. A spoon carving bike ride clinic will be held Oct. 27. Register at the following URL.

For more information, contact Emily Philpott at outdoors@vcu.edu or visit https://recwell.vcu.edu/play/outdoor-adventure/trips-and-activities/.

The VCU Health Orchestra is a musical group associated with the health system that is made up of doctors, nurses, professors, students and members of the community. The orchestra's mission is to reduce burnout through musical performance and to provide quality musical experiences to the community. Rehearsals begin Wednesday, Aug. 30.

For more information, contact Steve Lazar, personnel manager, at lazarsj@vcu.edu or (757) 870-2306 or visit https://www.vcuhealth.org/our-story/who-we-are/vcu-health-orchestra.

VCU chorus auditions will be held Tuesday, Aug. 22, from 2-4:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Aug. 23, from noon–2:40 p.m. in the Recital Hall, James W. Black Music Center, 1015 Grove Ave. All choral ensembles are open to all students, regardless of major. Audition information is available at the following URL.

For more information, contact Christopher Hansen, Ph.D., at hansenc3@vcu.edu or visit https://arts.vcu.edu/academics/departments/music/ensembles/vocal-ensemble/vocal-ensemble-audition-info/.

The VCU Wilder School's Commonwealth Management Institute applications are open. This five-day course for experienced managers is a valued avenue for professional development for experienced managers with a focus on bringing about positive change in yourself and others. Questions: Email Mandy Fowler at afowler3@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Viviana Pham at phamvk@vcu.edu or visit http://pmg.vcu.edu.

Don’t miss VCUDine’s Weeks of Welcome events for free snacks, refreshments and giveaways. Pop-ups include Kona Ice, lemonade, a cookout, Carnival and more. For a full event list, follow @VCU_Dining or visit vcu.campusgroups.com/events?group_ids=58953.

For more information, contact Lauren Hay at dining@vcu.edu or (804) 828-1148 or visit http://vcu.campusdish.com.

La Esperanza Research Lab and the Center for the Study of Tobacco Products invites you to participate in a compensated study to understand the experiences and opinions of tobacco smokers 18 and older who identify as Latine, Latino, Hispanic, or Spanish speaking. This study is a virtual one-time survey, ongoing for the next few months, and in English or Spanish.

For more information, contact Camila Tirado at LaEsperanza@vcu.edu or (804) 362-7460.

We are inviting male and female participants with elevated blood pressure between the ages of 18-45 years to participate in a study to examine how the time of day that you eat affects your blood pressure, blood vessel function and kidney function. This study involves a screening visit to determine eligibility; two single-day interventions where you will eat a meal that we provide in the morning or late at night; and two visits to our laboratory. The study involves collection of blood and urine samples, in addition to blood pressure, blood vessel and body composition assessments. The study is conducted at VCU Kinesiology and Health Sciences Building on the Monroe Park Campus. Questions: Natalie Bohmke at the following email address or Danielle Kirkman at dlkirkman@vcu.edu

For more information, contact Natalie Bohmke at bohmkenj@vcu.edu.